CHAPTER 36
Raphael
I walked along the Jetty up to the house, holding Penny’s hand. Susannah was on the porch with Sam’s arm around her, her loose hair a bright cloak. She had wept. They both had. But she made no move to close the distance between us. And she was holding herself very still. It had started, then. I looked down at Penny, radiant with joy at the sight of her mother and released her hand. ‘Go to her, piccola.’
She rushed up the steps into Susannah’s arms. Sam still held her, but hugged Penny too as best he could. I ran up the steps and took my wife from him. ‘I have you.’ Sam dropped to his knees, clutching Penny tight, then. I searched Susannah’s face. Her jaw was clenched, holding in the pain she would not allow Penny to witness. ‘How long?’
Sam looked up. ‘Breakfast time
